Community-Engaged Health Equity Research in Neuroscience Initiative (R34 CT Not Allowed)

Background
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) is dedicated to addressing neurological health inequities faced by groups adversely affected by health disparities as we work to improve the neurological health for all people. The NINDS mission is in alignment with the NIH’s overall commitment to ensure that health disparities and minority health research is prioritized across clinical trials and human subject research (NIH UNITE Initiative). The NINDS Community-Engaged Health Equity Research in Neuroscience Initiative (HERN) is a multi-pronged approach to advance community-engaged health equity research across all neurological disease areas within populations that experience health disparities (HDP) and support collaborations, education, and capacity building to conduct such research. This initiative is in direct response to recommendations from the NINDS Health Equity Strategic Plan.

Grant Details
This NOFO solicits applications for planning grants to assess feasibility and/or determine best practices to conduct community-engaged health equity research in neurological disorders with populations that experience health disparities (HDPs). Applicants must propose a research plan to test feasibility and/or best practices to conduct community-engaged health equity research in neurological disorders with HDPs.
Expected outcomes include the development of a collaborative and multidisciplinary research team, successful community engagement with HDP(s) of interest, and preliminary data from a limited scope of aims related to addressing neurological health disparities in one or more HDP(s) of interest. Specific areas of research interest include developing culturally-tailored approaches, identifying barriers, addressing disparities due to stigma, bias, discrimination, modifiable SDOH, and structural barriers impacting disparate neurological health outcomes.

Eligibility Requirements
All organizations administering an eligible parent award may apply for a supplement under this NOFO. Eligible applicants include higher education institutions, nonprofits, for-profit organizations, government entities, U.S. territories or possessions, independent school districts, public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, Native American tribal organizations (other than federally recognized tribal governments), faith-based or community-based organizations, regional organizations. Foreign organizations are not eligible to apply.

Period of Performance
The maximum project period is 3 years.

Grant Value
NINDS intends to commit $2,300,000 total costs in FY 2024 to fund 5-7 awards. Application budgets are limited to $450,000 in direct costs over a maximum of 3 years.